Sensing device and construction elements comprising a sensing device

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a sensing device that can be incorporated in a construction element for a toy construction set to allow new use of construction elements, for instance tracking the construction process. Sensing device comprises a carrier comprising a top surface provided with a series of top coils, a bottom surface with a series of bottom coils at a distance from said top coils, the sensing device further comprising a data processor functionally coupled with a memory for storing a status, said data processor comprises a computer program which controls and reads currents through each of said top and bottom coils and storing them in memory, thereby tracking status for each of said top and bottom coils.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a sensing device, construction elementcomprising a sensing device, and a system comprising a playboard andconstruction elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Well known construction elements are for instance Lego buildingelements. These well known building elements allow building bysnap-fitting the building elements together. Lego is always looking fornew elements and new use. For instance, WO2010/009731 according to itsabstract discloses a building element for a toy building set, comprisinga body part with coupling studs on the top face and complementarilyconfigured coupling means on the bottom face, and wherein one or moreelectrical conductors is/are provided that connect one or more couplingstuds with one or more complementarily configured coupling means; andwherein the conductors comprise an electrically insulating and curablematerial into which a plurality of electrically conductive elements areadmixed and distributed, such as fibres or particles, in such a way thatthe conductor is able to convey the current through the conductor fromthe coupling stud to an electrical contact face on the complementarilyconfigured coupling means.

US2014302740 discloses according to its abstract a toy building block ofa type which may be interconnected with similarly configured blocks hasa hollow box-shaped structure having a top with cylindrical studcoupling members, and sides which together with the top define adownwardly opening cavity into which the cylindrical studs of a likeconfigured block may be inserted for frictional interconnection. One ormore integrated circuit chips are embedded within the molding materialof the block, and leads incorporated within the block studs and sidesprovide electrical interconnection between blocks when like configuredblocks are brought into frictional interengagement. In a describedembodiment, components of a digital video recording system areapportioned to different blocks which when interconnected provide thecomplete system functionality.

WO2010/150232 according to its abstract discloses a game-system whichcomprises a number of building elements arranged for being assembledinto at least one predefined three-dimensional structure, wherein saidgame system comprises position means for determining and/or detectingthe position and/or the three-dimensional orientation of at least one ofthe building elements in the three-dimensional structure, andverification means for establishing if said position and/orthree-dimensional orientation is correct in relation to said pre-definedthree-dimensional structure. The game system according to the presentinvention has the advantage that the player can hold the buildingelements in the hands, and physically build the structure; therebyensure that the game system according to the invention involves a levelof interaction, which is not present in a conventional virtual game.

WO2014/167565 according to its abstract discloses a system for detectingproximity of two or more interlocking pieces of an interactive toy, thesystem comprising: a sensor configured to sense proximity between two ormore interlocking pieces, and an electronic circuit configured to detectan interlocking status of said pieces according to the proximity sensedby said sensor, wherein said electronic circuit is further configured totransmit an acoustic communication signal from an acoustic transmitterupon detection of a change in the interlocking status of said pieces,said acoustic communication signal being indicative of the piecesinterlocking status; and a receiving device configured to receive saidacoustic communication signal and issue an alert indicative of thepieces interlocking status.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a sensing device that can be incorporated intoconstruction elements to allow new use of construction elements, forinstance tracking the construction process and progress.

The invention provides a sensing device for in a construction elementfor a toy construction set, said sensing device comprising a carriercomprising a top surface provided with a series of top coils with theiraxes functionally parallel, a bottom surface with a series of bottomcoils at a distance from said top coils and with their axes functionallyaligned with said top coils, the sensing device further comprising adata processor functionally coupled with a memory for storing a statusof each of said top and bottom coils, said data processor functionallycoupled with said top and bottom coils for controlling an electricalcurrent through each of said top and bottom coils and for recordingchanges of current in each of said top and bottom coils, allowingdetection of alignment of at least one coil of another, similar sensingdevice with a coil of said sensing device, wherein said data processorcomprises a computer program which, when running on said data processor,controls a current through each of said top and bottom coils, reads acurrent through each of said top and bottom coils, and from a change ofsaid current and a level of said current calculates a status for each ofsaid top and bottom coils, and stores said status for each coil in saidmemory.

The invention furthermore provides a construction element comprising abody part with a top face and a bottom face seen relative to the normaluse situation of the construction element, wherein the top facecomprises first coupling parts, wherein the bottom face comprisescomplementarily second coupling parts that are configured for removablyinterconnecting with corresponding first coupling parts of anotherconstruction element, and wherein said body part comprises a sensingdevice of the invention, with said top coils aligned with a number offirst coupling parts and with said bottom coils aligned with a number ofsaid second coupling parts.

The invention furthermore provides a construction element for a toyconstruction set, comprising a body part with a top face and a bottomface seen relative to the normal use situation of the constructionelement, wherein the top face comprises first coupling parts, whereinthe bottom face comprises complementarily coupling parts that areconfigured for removably interconnecting with corresponding firstcoupling parts of another construction element, and a sensing devicepositioned in said body part and comprising a carrier comprising a topsurface directed to said top face of said body part and provided with aseries of top coils functionally aligned with at least a number of saidfirst coupling parts and a bottom surface directed towards said bottomface of said body part and provided with a series of bottom coilsfunctionally aligned with said top coils, the sensing device furthercomprising a data processor, functionally coupled with said top andbottom coils for recording changes of current in each of said coils,allowing detection of presence of another construction element coupledto one or more of the number of first coupling parts, and detectingwhich of the number of first coupling parts are coupled.

The invention furthermore provides a system comprising a series ofconstruction elements of the invention and a computer system comprisinga display device for providing a visual representation, and a dataprocessor and a data receiver, wherein said data processor is providedwith software which, when running on said data processor, allowsreceiving of data from said construction elements, and provides arepresentation on said display device indicating a number of theconstruction elements in their coupled state.

In particular, the system provides a representation on said displaydevice during construction using said construction elements.

The invention further provides a system comprising a series ofconstruction elements according to the invention and a playfield havinga top surface comprising a series of first coupling parts and a seriesof coils functionally aligned with said series of first coupling parts.

The sensing device allows flexible use in elements, in particularconstruction elements. It allows determination of a status of associatedcoupling parts of an element, in particular it allows determination ofassociated coupling parts that are coupled to complementary couplingparts of other elements.

Intermediate feedback from the sensing device may eliminate constructionerrors at an early stage or may provide assistance during theconstruction process. In turn this may speed up the construction processor give an early insight to the builder. In that sense the sensingdevice may be a learning tool to the builder/user. The invention may beincorporated into a simulation or in a game wherein a representation ofthe construction is given to a user. The representation may amongstothers be one selected of visual data and digital data. The sensingdevice may provide information or assistance of where to place anotherconstruction element or to remove a construction element to a user usinga signal device for providing a signal which is perceptible by thesenses of a user, for example visually using activating LED's, oraudible, in or on a construction element or a playboard or playfield. Asignal device may for instance be placed within the construction studsand may for instance be capable of presenting different colours or evenLED-signals in code.

In an embodiment, said top surface and bottom surface are functionallyparallel. Thus, calculation algorithms are easier as signals do notrequire calibration for each coil separately.

In an embodiment, said top surface and bottom surface are functionallyplanar. This allows easy alignment with coupling parts in an element.

In an embodiment, said data processor comprises a data transmissionprogram for controlling a current through at least one of said coilsfrom providing an electromagnetic field that is representative of a datastream. In particular, said data transmission program is provided forconverting said statuses or statuses of other sensing devices into adata stream representative of said statuses.

This allows the use of the coils for data transmission.

In an embodiment, said data transmission program splits said data streaminto a series of data stream parts and controls a series of coils in alayer to functionally simultaneously each transmit at least one of saiddata stream parts for providing a substantially parallel transmission ofsaid data stream.

In an embodiment, said data processor comprises a data receiving programfor converting a current through at least one of said coils into a datastream, in particular a data stream representative of said statuses, andfor converting said data stream into said statuses.

In an embodiment, said data receiving program functionallysimultaneously converts currents through a series of said coils into aseries of data stream parts, and in particular converts said data streamparts into said statuses for providing a substantially parallelreceiving of said statuses.

In an embodiment, said carrier comprises two printed circuit boards, anupper printed circuit board providing the upper surface and a bottomprinted circuit board providing the bottom surface.

In an embodiment, when a coil is aligned with a first, similar sensingdevice and an other coil is aligned with a second, similar sensingdevice, the sensing device selectively transmits data, in particularstatus information, to the first, the second or both other, similarsensing devices.

In an embodiment, said data processor comprises a data storagecomprising a data structure comprising a sensing device ID, informationindicative of a relative coil position of each coil of said sensingdevice, and per coil a data position information indicative of alignmentwith a coil of another, similar sensing device.

In an embodiment, in said data structure said information indicative ofalignment with a coil of another, similar sensing device comprises asensing ID of said other, similar sensing device, and informationindicative of a relative coil position of said aligned coil of saidother, similar sensing device.

In an embodiment of the construction element said bottom coils arefunctionally aligned with at least a number of said complementarycoupling parts, allowing detection of presence of another constructionelement coupled to one or more of said number of complementary couplingparts, and detecting which of the number of complementary coupling partsare coupled.

In an embodiment of the construction element said data processor isfunctionally coupled with said top and bottom coils for controlling anelectromagnetic field from each of said top and bottom coils.Controlling the electromagnetic field of the coils allows more accuratesensing. It may allow sensing of a distance of one or more other,similar sensing devices.

In an embodiment of the construction element, said series of top andbottom coils are separated from one another at a distance that is largerthan a distance of the top coils from the top face and larger than adistance of the bottom coils from the bottom face, in particular adistance that is larger than the sum of a distance of the top coils fromthe top face plus a distance of the bottom coils from the bottom face.

In an embodiment of the construction element, said data processorcomprises a data structure comprising a construction element ID, and perfunctionally aligned first and/or complementary coupling part furtherconstruction element ID's of coupled construction elements.

In an embodiment of the construction element said sensing device furthercomprises a data transmitter.

In an embodiment of the construction element said data transmitter isadapted for routing or passing on data, in particular to an otherconstruction element.

In an embodiment of the construction element, said data transmitter usesat least one of said coils for wireless data transmission, in particularto another construction element.

In an embodiment of the construction element said sensing device furthercomprises a power storage for electrical power.

In an embodiment of the construction element, said data processor isprovided with software which, when running on said data processor,derives a status of a coupling part from a current or change of currentin a coil.

In an embodiment of the construction element, said sensing devicecomprises multiple carriers, each carrier providing faces that areorthogonal with respect to faces of the other carriers.

In an embodiment of the construction element, said body part isblock-shaped providing three sets of opposite top and bottom faces, andsaid sensing device providing three carriers providing three sets ofopposing faces, each face functionally parallel to body part faces andeach face comprising coils, each coil functionally aligned with oneselected from a first coupling part and a complementary coupling part.

In an embodiment of the system comprising a series of constructionelements according to the invention and a separate computer devicecomprising a display device, a data processor and a data receiver. Saiddata processor is provided with software which, when running on saiddata processor, allows receiving of data from at least one of saidconstruction elements, and provides a representation via said displaydevice indicating the construction elements in their coupled state. Inparticular, said display device provides a representation via saiddisplay device during construction using said construction elements.

The display device can present a visual representation to a user. Thedisplay device may for instance be a display like a LCD or OLED screenor the like, but also an augmented or virtual reality device like anOculus Rift, or a holographic projector.

In an embodiment of the system, said separate computer device providesuser feedback in relation to at least one selected from a constructionof said construction elements, and during a construction using saidconstruction elements.

The invention further relates to a system comprising a series ofconstruction elements according to the invention and a playfield havinga top surface comprising a series of first coupling parts and a seriesof coils functionally aligned with said series of first coupling parts.

The invention further pertains to a sensing device comprising at leasttwo spaced-apart arrays of sensing elements, wherein said sensingelements are proximity sensing elements providing a signal correspondingto a distance between corresponding sensing elements of another sensingdevice, and with the sensing elements of one array of sensing elementsmutually functionally aligned with the sensing elements of another ofsaid arrays of sensing elements.

The sensing elements may said sensing element comprises a magnetic fieldgenerating part, and a magnetic field measuring sensor. Alternatively,the sensing elements may comprise an antenna, a phased array antenna, ora Near-Field antenna. These alternatives are further discussed in thedescription of preferred embodiments. Other embodiments described inthis description may also apply to this aspect of the invention. Thecoils are thus replaced with sensing elements.

The elements can be used for manually building a construction. Makingsuch a construction consistent and coherent can be easy. As will becomeclear below, the elements may comprise further features that may allowelements to displace under control, or even autonomously.

It was found that such a system with the elements, and/or the elements,allow flexible construction of an object. It may even be possible todesign the elements within the current definition to group the elementsinto an object.

Here, the words “construction element”, “building element” and “element”are used for any parts that can be used to construct objects. In earlierapplications of the applicant, for instance US2014273730, US2014274417,US2014274416, elements are most general 3 dimensional and can beassembled (or assemble themselves) into objects. Construction elementsrefer to elements that comprise coupling parts that engage whenconstruction elements are placed together. Engaging in this sense mayrefer to fixing, actively by one or both coupling parts, or passively bypressing one coupling part into another by pressing constructiontogether.

Building elements refers to construction elements that have a firstcoupling part on one face and a second, complementary coupling part onanother face. The coupling parts can engage, for instance snap-fittogether. An example of such coupling parts are the studs and snap-fitwalls and ribs of Lego building elements. These are in most Legobuilding elements positioned on opposite faces of a building element.

Elements may be passive. This means that those passive elements may forinstance comprising first parts that can receive second parts, forinstance for holding, for moving or for coupling. The first parts thenare engaged, or forces are exerted onto these first parts, by the secondparts of other, similar construction elements. In Lego Buildingelements, the building elements are passive. A user presses buildingelements together to snap-fit these building elements together. Thesensing device may be functionally coupled to parts, like motionmodules, or to coupling parts. Thus, when a sensing device sensesalignment of parts, like alignment of one or more coupling parts,engagement may take place.

The sensing elements of the sensing device, like the coils, arefunctionally aligned with coupling parts of the element, in particularthe construction element. This in its broadest sense means that thesensing elements of a sensing device are positioned in such a way withrespect to the coupling parts of the element that when using a sensingelement it can be established if a coupling part of another, similarconstruction element also comprising a sensing device is aligned with acoupling part that is functionally aligned with the coupling part of theelement. The sensing device may be provided with one or more dataprocessors or with signal processing electronics that allow calculationof the position of the other, similar element with respect to theelement associated with the sensing device. It can allow, for instance,the sensing device to determine the distance of the other element, butalso which coupling part or parts of the other element are aligned withwhich coupling part or parts of the element. In particular, this can bedone using data transmission between sensing devices. Alternatively,when adding an identification to the electromagnetic field of eachsensing element may allow a sensing device to determine which couplingpart is coupled to which coupling part of another element. It can alsoallow the sensing device to determine which of the coupling parts of theelement are in fact coupled to which coupling parts of the other element(or elements).

The upper and lower surfaces can be defined as a two-dimensional face.Thus, the positions of the sensing elements on these surfaces can bedefined for instance in two dimensional coordinates, using for instanceCartesian X and Y axes. Functional alignment can thus relate to X and Ypositioning of the sensing elements, like the axis of the coils, on theupper and lower surfaces of the sensing device. Providing the sensingdevice in an element locates its upper and lower surfaces inside theelement and thus its elements with respect to coupling parts. The X andY positions of the sensing elements can be such that a sensing elementrelates to a coupling part. The sensing element can for instance beprovided right below a coupling part.

Functional alignment of sensing elements also relate to a distance ofsensing elements to the coupling parts in a direction perpendicular tothe upper and lower surfaces of the sensing device. Thus, in fact, tohow far below a coupling part sensing elements are provided. In order toprovide optimal sensitivity, the distance between sensing elements andfunctionally aligned coupling parts is as small as possible.

In the sensing device, the top surface of the carrier is provided with aseries of top coils and the bottom surface is provided with a series ofbottom coils. This includes in general that the coils can be positionedon top of the surface. In also includes that the coils are provided ontop of a surface, like for instance a printed circuit board (PCB), andthat the coils and the further surface of the PCB is covered with aprotective coating layer. It also includes that the coils are providedbelow a surface of the carrier, relatively closed to the surface. Thus,the coils are functionally positioned in such a way that the surface isprovided with the coils. In an embodiment, a coil may comprise in factseveral sub-coils provided one on top of the other. If needed, aninsulating layer may be provided between the various sub-coils. Anadvantage of using the non-contact elements like the coils is that thesurface of elements does not need to be modified. This allows adding thesensing device to existing elements. The incorporation of the sensingdevice does not need a change of one or more exterior element(sur)faces. Furthermore, the condition of the surface of the element isnot critical. Furthermore, it allows the sensing device to be sealedoff. When using the sensing device in toys, for instance, children caneven take them into they mouth without detrimental effects. Moisturedoes not need to influence the working when proper sealing is used.

In the sensing device, the top surface of the carrier is provided with aseries of top coils and a bottom surface with a series of bottom coilsat a distance from said top coils. Thus, at least two layers of coilsare provided. The distance between these layers of coils is in fact anelectromagnetic separation that in case a layer of air is providedbetween the layers of coils can be expressed as D×∈, with ∈=∈_(o)×∈_(r)the dielectric permittivity of the material between the layers of coils.When the separation is mainly air, ∈_(r) is almost equal to ∈_(o), thevacuum permittivity which is about 8.8541878176×10⁻¹² F/m. For accuratedetection, usually it is desired that the detection distance betweensensing devices is smaller than the separation D×∈ between layers ofcoils of a detection device. Alternatively, distance and alignment ofeach of the coils of a sensing device with respect to one another mayprove less critical when for instance the properties of each of thecoils are known and used in calculations, or when for instance signalprocessing of the signals resulting from each of the coils is applied.For instance, the properties of each coil may differ in a known,calibrated manner. Alternatively or in combination, using signalprocessing the sensing device may allow determination of the status ofthe coupling parts even without critical positioning of coils. Forinstance using timing of signals, time sequences of signals, and othersignal processing, known to a skilled person, it may be possible toderive the status of coupling parts. Each coil of a sensing device mayfor instance have its own modulation in intensity, timing, or the like,of its generated electromagnetic field. Polarization may also bemanipulated. Thus, the coils in fact operate as antennas. When distancesbetween sensing elements become small, the coils may operate in socalled “Near Field” operation conditions.

More correctly when using magnetic fields is referring to the physicalconstant μ₀, commonly called the vacuum permeability, permeability offree space, or magnetic constant is an ideal, (baseline) physicalconstant, which is the value of magnetic permeability in a classicalvacuum. Vacuum permeability is derived from production of a magneticfield by an electric current or by a moving electric charge and in allother formulas for magnetic-field production in a vacuum. In thereference medium of classical vacuum, μ₀ has an exact defined valueμ₀=4π×10−7 V·s/(A·m)≈1.2566370614 . . . ×10−6 H·m−1 or N·A−2 or T·m/A orWb/(A·m) in the SI system of units. In SI units, the speed of light invacuum, c₀ (299 792 458 ms⁻¹) is related to the magnetic constant andthe electric constant (vacuum permittivity), ∈₀, by the definition:

$c_{0} = {\frac{1}{\sqrt{\mu_{0}ɛ_{0}}}.}$

In this description, a configuration is used for an assembly of elementsthat are grouped together in a substantially consistent orientation withrespect to one another. The elements in such a configuration may form anobject. For such an object to change its shape, one or more elementsmove or displace with respect to other elements. This statement,however, does not work the other way around: Elements may havedisplaced, but that does not always mean that the shape of the objectchanged. If at least some of the elements of an object displace in apredefined manner, it is possible to in fact have displaced the entireobject.

The various modules and parts are ‘coupled’. In particular, this relatesto functionally coupled. In particular embodiments, this relates toparts or modules that are physically coupled. More in particular, in anembodiment it is used to cover connected. Specifically, in an embodimentparts, faces, modules and the like that are fixed or mounted. In thisrespect, fixed refers to for instance welding, gluing, and the like.Fixed may even be a generic, covering both permanently fixed andnon-permanently fixed. In this sense, welding may be seen as permanentlyfixed. In order to remove permanently fixed parts from one another, ifalready possible, the parts will be damaged. Some types of gluing areexamples of non-permanently fixing. For instance, using hot-melt glue,when heating the glued parts, the glue may melt and parts can bedetached. Mounted may refer to the use of attachment provisions, likebolts and nuts.

‘Interacting’ relates to modules and/or elements that exert force to oneanother, but also to exchanging data, exchanging instruction programparts, and exchanging feedback. In an embodiment, interacting relates tomodules and/or elements that are in contact. In an embodiment,interacting relates to modules and/or elements that are engaging.

An element may comprise parts defining an outer contour of an element.For instance, an element may comprise ribs. An element comprises a face.A face at least has supports allowing one element to rest on anotherelement. Ribs for instance define such a face. The space between ribsmay be open. Alternatively, support may be provided by exerting a force,for instance aerodynamic or electromagnetic forces. In an embodiment,each element further comprising a face provided with a surface at asurface-distance from said centre point. Such a surface provides asolid, physical support. A surface may be completely closed.Alternatively, a face may comprise a surface that has openings. Forinstance, the surface may be meshed. Often, such a face is planar,defining a bounded plane.

In an embodiment, said element comprises a series of faces each having asurface, in particular said faces defining said element.

In an embodiment, said element comprises a series of at least two ofsaid faces, in particular said element comprises a series of coupledfaces forming faces of said element.

In an embodiment, said element comprises at least 4 faces, in particularat least 6 faces, more in particular opposite and having a normaldirection orthogonal normal.

In an embodiment, said element is a regular body.

In an embodiment, said element is substantially a block, more inparticular a cube. An advantage of cubes is that they allow easystacking.

An element can be characterised by its position and orientation. Bothposition and orientation may be absolute and relative. The relativeposition can be defined as a position of an element with respect to oneor more other elements. Relative position may also be defined as theposition of an element in an object it forms together with otherelements, or the position in a group of elements. In an embodiment,elements may be provided with a position sensing part functionallycoupled to said data processing module. The sensing part may be part ofthe sensing device discussed earlier.

In an embodiment said element comprises walls defining the outerboundaries of an element. In an embodiment, at least one wall comprisinga planar surface part.

In an embodiment, an element comprises at least one functional surface,for instance comprising a photovoltaic element. Alternatively or incombination, a functional surface is provided with one or more displayelements. A display element may comprise one or more pixels that mayform a display. In an embodiment, the neighbouring surfaces of severalelements may form a display. Thus, the elements allow presentation ofvisual information. Furthermore or alternatively, the functional surfacemay comprise touch-functionality and/or proximity-sensing, allowingformation of for instance a touch panel. In an embodiment, elements canbe combined to form a display for playing movies, television, or games.In case of elements which have sides smaller than 1 cm, the elementswill in many instances combine the functional surfaces into one displayof combined element-functional surfaces.

The element may comprise a data processor.

In an embodiment, the size of the elements is 10 cm down to 0.1 micron,in particular 1 cm down to 0.5 micron, more in particular 1 mm down to0.5 micron, specifically 100 micron down to 0.1 micron. In particular,the sensing device can be built into a Lego building element. These LegoBuilding elements come into the “regular” Lego building elements, andthe larger “Duplo” Building elements.

In an embodiment, an element is at least partly produced using forinstance 3D printing. In an embodiment, plant cells may be used forproducing a “wood” surface. Such plant cells may be attached to acarrier substrate.

A sensing device can be produced separate from an element and be placedinto the element in a separate step. For instance, a sensing device maybe pressed into a Lego Building element. Alternatively, a sensing devicemay be produced and in a separate production step an element is shapedor produced around the sensing device. For instance, an element can beinjection moulded around a sensing device. In another embodiment, thesensing device can be produced together with an element. For instance,using 3D printing a sensing device and building element, like a Legobuilding element, can be produced in one production process.

In an embodiment, elements in an assembly of elements work together, asis discussed in US2014273730, US2014274417, US2014274416. For instancethe communication between elements as described may be used.

The invention further pertains to a game assembly, comprising a systemdescribed above, and a computing device in communication with at leastone of said elements, said computing device running a computer programwhich, when operating on said computing device, performs the steps of:

receive data from said assembly relating to a configuration of theassembly;

indicate on a display device a representation of said configuration to auser.

With the sensing device, it is possible to visualise for instance aconstruction process using said elements. The display device maycomprise a display, a touch screen, a virtual reality device, aholographic projector, and the like. These devices provide a visualindication of the construction to a user. The construction processrelates to coupling of additional elements, but also to the removal ordecoupling of elements.

In an embodiment placing or removing construction elements with asensing device may be functioning akin to a game controller for a gameor simulation.

In an embodiment placing or removing construction elements with asensing device may unlock certain abilities within a game or simulation.

In an embodiment placing or removing construction elements with asensing device in a first system may be having an effect upon anothersystem remotely connected to the first system, for instance akin to amultiplayer network game or simulation.

In an embodiment, some or all of the sensing devices can communicatewith one another. As explained, communication may be done via acommunication device in the sensing device. In particular, thecommunication device uses one or more of the sensing elements, forinstance the coils, for transmitting and receiving data. In anembodiment, the elements can set up a peer-to-peer network, or providecommunication via a peer-to-peer setup.

In an embodiment, the sensing device of the elements operateindividually. In another embodiment, the sensing devices of an assemblyoperate in a master-slave setting. This may be a traditionalmaster-slave setting, as such known to a skilled person. This may alsobe a master-slave setting in which functions are distributed but asensing device operates as a master, managing the other sensing devices.Different management models known to a skilled person may be used. Insuch a master-slave setting, the status of master may be dynamic, goingfrom one sensing device to a next sensing device, depending oncircumstances, like availability of power, location of a sensing devicewith respect to a remote device requesting data, and the like. Asexplained, a sensing device may have a standardised number of sensingelements. This may require that more than one sensing device is used inan element. Usually, together the sensing elements of these sensingdevices are associated with all the coupling parts. In such settings, inan embodiment the sensing devices in an element communicate with oneanother. These sensing devices may comprise a physical coupling,allowing them to communicate with one another. In such a situation, amaster-slave setting may streamline communication between sensingelements in an element. Again, such a master-slave setting may bedynamic, i.e., the master setting may shift between sensing elementsdepending on circumstances.

As mentioned, an element may comprise more than one sensing element.Alternatively, a sensing device may be build up modularly. Thus, asensing module may comprise sensing elements and a data processor, whileother sensing modules only hold sensing elements. Thus, thefunctionality of the sensing device may be distributed over varioussensing modules that together form a sensing device. These sensingdevice modules may be coupled physically, but even wireless couplingbetween sensing modules may be considered. This allows sensing modulesto communication with one another. Thus, an element may comprise asensing device that is build up from sensing modules. The functionalityof the sensing device can be distributed over the different sensingmodules. Alternatively, an element may hold more than one sensingdevice. Combination thereof may also be possible. In an embodiment, eachof the surfaces provided with coils, or, more general, each of thearrays provided with sensing elements, may be a separate sensingmodules. Each sensing module can be provided with a data processor.Alternatively or in combination, some of the functionalities of thesensing device may be distributed over the sensing modules forming asensing device. Alternatively, some of the functionalities or functionalparts may be provided to some sensing modules, and other functionalparts to other sensing modules. For instance, only one of the sensingmodules of a sensing device may have a data processor. Thus, usingsensing modules, mass production of the sensing device can besimplified.

A sensing device may comprise a motion sensor for selectively activatinga sensing device, or changing a reduced power mode of the sensingdevice. This can reduce the power need. Thus, when motion takes place,for instance the data processor can be activated to read the currentthrough of the coils, or set a current for generating an electromagneticfield.

The documents US2014273730, US2014274417, US2014274416, where relevant,are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth in this document.

In the current document, reference is made to three dimensional objectsor 3D objects. The elements are three dimensional. Thus, simply placingelements together on a plane surface already makes an object threedimensional. A three dimensional object according to the currentdescription, however, refers to an object that is composed of coupledelements and extending at least two elements in each dimensionaldirection. Such a three dimensional object or 3D object would have atleast 4 elements. In fact, three elements might already form a 3D objectwhen one or more elements are out-of-plane with respect to the otherelements.

In general, elements may comprise one or more faces that may be definedas being “polar”. An example of this are the Lego Building elements.More in general, suppose that one type of face may be defined as havingthe property “plus” and another type of face may have the property“minus” with respect to at least one of the motion module, motionrestriction module, motion guiding module. Now suppose that a plus facecan only couple to and displace over a minus face. When using elementslike that, in general ordering of elements with respect to one anotherbecomes important when composing or building an object out of elements.In general formulation, an element comprises at least one face thatcomprises at least one mirror symmetry with respect to at least one faceof another element in view of at least one selected from the motionmodule, motion guiding module and motion restriction module when facingthat other face. These symmetries may be referred to as inter-facesymmetry. In an embodiment, the at least one face comprises at least onemirror symmetry with respect to the at least one other face with respectto its shape. Thus, two elements have at least one orientation withrespect to one another in which they have a respective face and in whichthese faces fit on one another, can attach to one another, and move ordisplace over each others surface.

In an embodiment, the elements have a shape to allow tessellation in atleast two dimensions. More formally, a tessellation or tiling is apartition of the Euclidean plane into a countable number of closed setscalled tiles, such that the tiles intersect only on their boundaries.These tiles may be polygons or any other shapes. Many tessellations areformed from a finite number of prototiles; all tiles in the tessellationare congruent to one of the given prototiles. If a geometric shape canbe used as a prototile to create a tessellation, the shape is said totessellate or to tile the plane, or, using elements, a space. Certainpolyhedra can be stacked in a regular crystal pattern to fill (or tile)three dimensional space, including the cube (the only regular polyhedronto do so); the rhombic dodecahedron; and the truncated octahedron. Lego,on the other hand knows different shapes of building elements that canbe fitted together to form all sorts of objects. The sensing device canhave a shape that can fit into various building elements.

Construction elements may be combined into an object by placingconstruction elements on top of one another. Construction elements mayalso or additionally be held together by allowing at least some of theconstruction elements in an object to exert an attracting onto otherconstruction elements in the object. When combining constructionelements into an object, the construction elements may be placedsubstantially on top of one another. Thus, construction elements mayalign in three dimensions. In particular, the sensing device allowsdetection of the alignment of coupling parts of construction elements.

The person skilled in the art will understand the term “substantially”in this application, such as in “substantially encloses” or in“substantially extends up to”. The term “substantially” may also includeembodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, inembodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Whereapplicable, the term “substantially” may also relate to 90% or higher,such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term “comprise” includes alsoembodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of”.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like if used in thedescription and in the claims, are used for distinguishing betweensimilar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential orchronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used areinterchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodimentsof the invention described herein are capable of operation in othersequences than described or illustrated herein.

The construction elements herein are amongst others described duringoperation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, theinvention is not limited to methods of operation or devices inoperation.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustraterather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art willbe able to design many alternative embodiments without departing fromthe scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signsplaced between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.Use of the verb “to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude thepresence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Thearticle “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presenceof a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented bymeans of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means ofa suitably programmed computer. In the device or apparatus claimsenumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by oneand the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures arerecited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that acombination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Additional features described may allow increasing complexity of thesystem, or may allow elements to function more or less autonomous.Elements may group together to perform tasks, possible by features thatall the elements have, or using one or more features that only one orpart of the elements have.

The invention further applies to construction element or parts thereofcomprising one or more of the characterising features described in thedescription and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention furtherpertains to a method or process comprising one or more of thecharacterising features described in the description and/or shown in theattached drawings.

The various aspects discussed in this Patent can be combined in order toprovide additional advantages. Furthermore, some of the features canform the basis for one or more divisional applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in whichcorresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, showing anembodiment of a construction element, and showing in:

FIG. 1 an exploded view showing a building element and sensing device;

FIG. 2 a view, in partial cross section, of two building elements withfitted sensing device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 two building elements with fitted sensing device of FIG. 1, fullyaligned and ready to be attached onto one another;

FIG. 4 a schematic drawing of a sensing device take apart;

FIG. 5 a play situation showing a set of differently shaped buildingelements each fitted with sending devices, fitted onto a building plate,and a remote device with a display;

FIG. 6 an alternative embodiment of a sensing device, with

FIG. 6a a detail of FIG. 6 as indicated.

The drawings are not necessarily on scale.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The current invention relates to a sensing device and constructionelements, in particular building elements, comprising the sensingdevice. This can be implemented in various ways that will be discussedbelow in various illustrative embodiments. In a first embodiment, shownin FIGS. 1-3, the sensing device can be a separate unit that can beplaced into a building element. This can for instance be done after thebuilding elements are produced. Thus, the sensing device may be providedas an add-on or a snap-in. Alternatively, the sensing device may beincorporated into building elements during production of the buildingelements. In FIG. 5, the use of various building elements each providedwith a sensing device together with a playboard is demonstrated. Also,an alternative implementation of the sensing device is discussed in FIG.6. Such a sensing device allows detection of building elements that arecoupled, and communication the coupling status.

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a sensing device 1 and a buildingelement 2. FIGS. 2 and 3 show the same building element 2 as in FIG. 1,at other angles and partly in cross section. In these drawings thebuilding elements 2 are identical or almost identical to the well-knownLego® building blocks or Mega Bloks®, and in FIG. 5 some otherconfigurations of these building blocks 2 are shown.

The known building blocks 2 of FIGS. 1-3 and 5 typically comprise hollowbox-shaped blocks having tops with outwardly facing surfaces which areprovided with primary coupling members 22 in the form of for instancecylindrical projections or studs (“studs”). The studs 22 are located atevenly-spaced positions in regular n*m row and column arrayarrangements, which for embodiments such as the standard rectangularparallelepiped building blocks 2 shown (e.g., standard LEGO™ block withlength L=3 cm*width W=1.5 cm*height H=1 cm rectangular size format and2*4 stud arrangement) are so disposed that four studs 22 form thecorners of a square. Downwardly opening hollow cavities are defined byinside surfaces of the top and sides of the building blocks. Locatedwithin the cavities are secondary coupling members 23 in the form ofcylindrical tubular elements that depend from the top inside surfaces atpositions corresponding to centres of the squares whose corners areformed by the studs 22, and which when two building blocks 2 areinterconnected will fit in between four of the studs 22.

The known building blocks 2 are typically fabricated using injectionmoulding of thermoplastic material, with the coupling members 22, 23 andinsides of the cavities being dimensioned, configured and adapted sothat building blocks 2 may be removably interconnected by causing thecoupling studs 22 of one building block 2 to enter the cavity of anotherbuilding block 2, whereby the studs 22 frictionally engage with theinside walls that define the cavity and with the adjacent tubularelement centrally in the cavity, together defining the secondarycoupling members 23. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,033, thecoupling studs may be substantially cylindrical tubes, and additionalflanges or ribs (“ribs”) may be provided extending outwardly from theinside surfaces defining the cavities and/or from the tubular elementsat points of frictional engagement of those surfaces and elements of onebuilding block 2 with the studs 22 of another building block 2. This isall well known to those used to playing with Lego®.

In the drawings, the sensing device 1 is explained using thesewell-known building blocks 2 as a building element that can be coupledto one another using respective coupling parts. In a more generalizedembodiment, the sensing device 1 can be used in building elements 2 thathave respective coupling parts for coupling the building elements 2together. Thus, the shape of the building elements does not need to be ablock. Furthermore, the coupling parts can also have a different shape,position, number, or working principle. For instance, in the buildingAnother example of coupling and holding of building elements isdescribed in US2014273730, US2014274417, US2014274416. The currentsensing device may be used or included in these elements for sensingalignment or for sensing presence of other elements.

It was found that the known building blocks 2 shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5proved an easy and well-defined basis for developing the sensing device1. The building blocks 2 provide a well-defined coupling position withrespect to one another. Building blocks 2 can be partly coupled, asdemonstrated in FIG. 5. Furthermore, coupling is relatively secure. Inan abstract sense, these building blocks have first and second couplingmembers or coupling parts 22, 23. These are provided on opposite sidesor faces of the building blocks to allow stacking in a releasablymatting manner. The sensing device 1 allows detection of attachingbuilding blocks 2 together. When detection levels are set moresensitive, approaching of one building block 2 towards another buildingblock 2 may be detected. Furthermore, alignment and orientation ofbuilding blocks 2 with respect to one another may be detected andestablished.

The sensing device 1 and building element 2 of FIG. 1 are in fact upsidedown in order to show how the sensing device 1 can be slid into thebuilding element 2. The sensing device 1 has a carrier comprising inthis embodiment an upper carrier plate 3 and a bottom carrier plate 6.These provide respective top or upper surface 4 and lower or bottomsurface 7 of the carrier. The upper and lower surface are here separateda distance D from one another. In this embodiment, the surfaces areseparated a distance D of 0.5-2 cm. The building elements can be suchthat when building elements are coupled, their sensing elements have aspacing of less than 0.5 mm. In examples, their spacing d1+d2 can be0.1-0.3 cm. In smaller building elements, the surfaces of a sensingdevice 1 may even be separated is little as 0.5-0.1 cm. Usually, d1+d2in these situation can be 0.01-0.1 cm. In this embodiment, spacers 10hold the upper and bottom carrier plates 3, 6 apart. In an embodiment,the carrier plates 3, 6 can be printed circuit boards, PCB's.

The sensing device 1 comprises a series of sensing elements. Here, thesensing elements comprise a series of top coils 5 at one side of thecarrier and a series of bottom coils 8 at an opposite side of thecarrier, at a distance D from the top coils 5. The coils shown in thedrawings are relatively schematic. The coils 5, 8 are in factconfigurations which, if a current runs through a coil, generate anelectromagnetic field. In an embodiment, the coils generate a magneticfield. In fact, the coils may be operates as micro antennas. Whendistances between sensing devices become small, their operation may bein the field of “Near Field” communication. In a particular embodiment,the coils can be printed or in another way produced onto the PCB's ofthe carrier. In the drawings, the coils are spiral shaped. The coils mayalso have another shape having the same function of generating amagnetic field. As such, this is known to a skilled person. Forinstance, several coils may be produced on top of one another tofunction as a single coil. Furthermore, a coil may comprise a core formodifying or shaping the produced and/or received magnetic field.

In an embodiment, the sensing elements may also be provided as patchantennas. These as such are well known to a skilled person. A patchantenna is a narrowband, wide-beam antenna fabricated by etching theantenna element pattern in metal trace bonded to an insulatingdielectric substrate, such as a printed circuit board, with a continuousmetal layer bonded to the opposite side of the substrate which forms aground plane. Common microstrip antenna shapes are square, rectangular,circular and elliptical, but any continuous shape is possible. Somepatch antennas do not use a dielectric substrate and instead made of ametal patch mounted above a ground plane using dielectric spacers; theresulting structure is less rugged but has a wider bandwidth. Becausesuch antennas have a very low profile, are mechanically rugged and canbe shaped to conform to the curving skin of a vehicle, they are oftenmounted on the exterior of aircraft and spacecraft, or are incorporatedinto mobile radio communications devices.

Microstrip antennas are usually employed at UHF and higher frequenciesbecause the size of these antennas is directly tied to the wavelength atthe resonant frequency. A single patch antenna usually provides amaximum directive gain of around 6-9 dBi. It is relatively easy to printan array of patches on a single (large) substrate using lithographictechniques. Patch arrays can provide much higher gains than a singlepatch at little additional cost; matching and phase adjustment can beperformed with printed microstrip feed structures, again in the sameoperations that form the radiating patches. The ability to create highgain arrays in a low-profile antenna is one reason that patch arrays arecommon on airplanes and in other military applications.

Such an array of patch antennas is an easy way to make a phased array ofantennas with dynamic beamforming ability.

An advantage inherent to patch antennas is the ability to havepolarization diversity. Patch antennas can easily be designed to havevertical, horizontal, right hand circular (RHCP) or left hand circular(LHCP) polarizations, using multiple feed points, or a single feedpointwith asymmetric patch structures. This unique property allows patchantennas to be used in many types of communications links that may havevaried requirement

The sensing elements, when used at a relatively short distance, in factmay operate equivalent to “Near Field” which is in fact as such known toa skilled person.

Near-field (or nearfield) communication (NFC) is a form of short-rangewireless communication where the antenna used is much smaller than thewavelength of the carrier signal (thus preventing a standing wave fromdeveloping within the antenna). In the near-field (approximately onequarter of a wavelength) the antenna can produce either an electricfield, or a magnetic field, but not an electromagnetic field. Thus NFCcommunicates either by a modulated electric field, or a modulatedmagnetic field, but not by radio (electromagnetic waves). For example, asmall loop antenna (also known as a magnetic loop) produces a magneticfield, which can then be picked up by another small loop antenna, if itis near enough.

Magnetic NFC has a useful property of being able to penetrate conductorsthat would reflect radio waves.

In NFC, if another similarly small antenna comes into this field, itwill induce an electric potential into it, alternating at the samefrequency. By modulating the signal in the active antenna, one cantransmit a signal to the passive, receiving antenna.

In the current sensing elements, it may for instance be possible tooperate the sensing elements in open platform technology standards likeECMA-340 and ISO/IEC 18092. NFC in general incorporates a variety ofexisting standards including ISO/IEC 14443 both Type A and Type B, andFeliCa.

NFC in general is a set of short-range wireless technologies, typicallyrequiring a distance of 10 cm or less. NFC for instance operates at13.56 MHz on ISO/IEC 18000-3 air. NFC peer-to-peer communication ispossible, provided both devices are powered.

The coils 5, 8 are functionally aligned with coupling parts of thebuilding element 2. Here, the top coils 5 are positioned in one plane,and the bottom coils 8 are positioned in another plane. Here, theseplanes are planar and parallel. In order to allow practical operation,the data processor should have the alignment between coils and couplingelements. This, the data processor can determine a status of couplingparts. In FIGS. 1-3, the studs 22 are all in a single, planar plane justlike the associated top surface 4. Thus, the coils axes ‘1’ are in linewith the studs 22 of the building element 2. Furthermore, the distancebetween the top coils 5 and the coupling parts, here studs 22, is fixedand known. It is known the Lego has many shapes of building elements.If, for instance, the top face 20 of a building element 2 would not beplanar, but for instance stepped, then in an embodiment the uppersurface 4 of the sensing element 1 would follow that top face 20. Thuskeeping the distance between coupling parts (here studs 22) and sensingelements (here coils 5). In this example of FIGS. 1-4, a buildingelement 2 that has 2×4 studs 22 has one sensing element 1 with the sameconfiguration of sensing elements 5, 8 on the sensing device 1. Forproduction and sales flexibility, it is considered to provide a sensingdevice 1 that has a standardised shape and standardised number andorientation of sensing elements 5, 8. For instance, a sensing device mayhave 2×2 sensing elements 5, 8 an each carrier plate 3, 6. Thus, asensing device 1 may fit the building elements 2 indicated with B, C, E,F, G in FIG. 5. In such an embodiment, building elements 2 indicatedwith A, D, H may each be fitted with two sensing devices 2. Thus, onesensing device 1 below studs 1-4, and one sensing device 1 below studs5-8.

Furthermore, in this embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the top coils 5 have theiraxes normal to the plane, and the bottom coils 8 have their axes normalto the plane. Furthermore, the top coils 5 are here aligned with thebottom coils 8. This may allow the sensing device 1 to determinestacking, and of coupling. In fact, it may even allow sensing devices todetermine if more building elements are coupled, and if a buildingelement is part of a stack of building elements 2. The top coils 5 arehere regularly spaced. In fact, the coils are provided in a regular n×mmatrix. When, however a position of coils is accurately known, the dataprocessor using for instance signal processing and knowledge of theposition or its influence on a generated or received electromagneticfield may be able to use this in determining status of coupling partsand/or of a coupling status of the element.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the sensing device 1 fits into thebuilding element 2. The sensing device 1 can for instance itself also beprovided with a protective layer (not shown) for protecting it fromoutside influences, like for instance moist or water, or shocks ormechanical handling. For instance, the sensing device 1 may beencapsulated by a relatively thin layer of polymer material, forinstance a thermoplastic layer of an elastomeric layer. These layers canbe thin in comparison to the material of the building elements 2. Theprotective and/or sealing layer may further provide form fitting of thesensing device 1 into a building element 2, in particular a buildingelement 2 that is open at one end, as shown in FIG. 1. In an alternativeembodiment, the sensing device 1 may be integrated into a buildingelement 2, for instance by combining injection moulding, 3D printing,and other technologies.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, the sensing device 1 can be seen when fitted into abuilding element 2. In these figures, part of the building elements 2 iscut away. In these embodiments, the sensing device comprises a housing 9for some further components like a data processor 31 (FIG. 4) and apower storage 30 (FIG. 4). The data processor may also in an embodimentbe for instance wire-bonded onto one of the printed circuit boards(PCB's) that make the carrier.

The sensing device 1 in an embodiment further comprises a data processor31. The data processor 31 when operating processes digital data andenables running a computer program. The data processor is functionallycoupled to the sensing elements, i.e., to both the top coils 5 and thebottom coils 8. The functional coupling allows the data processor 31 todetermine a current strength through each of one the top and bottomcoils 5, 8. Furthermore, the data processor 31 is coupled to each of thecoils to apply a predefined current to each of the top and bottom coils5, 8. This allows the sensing device to determine changes in theelectromagnetic field of each of the sensing element 5, 8, and to inducea change in the electromagnetic field of each of the sensing elements 5,8. Thus, the sensing device 1 can handle incoming communication andprovide outgoing communication, thus in a sense both listen and speak.The sensing device 1 may comprise some more or less complex electronicsand circuitry for each sensing element 5, 8. Thus, for instance, eachcoil 5, 8 may comprise an analog of digital circuitry, even a PLC, forprocessing signals. In an embodiment, the circuitry may even provide abinary value indicating coupling of coupling parts and another value ifthe coupling part is free.

The sensing device further comprises a storage for electrical power 30.Such a power storage may comprise a battery, or for instance acapacitive charge storage device. The storage for electrical power in anembodiment can be charged wirelessly. For instance using inductive ofcapacitive power transfer. These technologies are as such known to askilled person.

In FIG. 4, schematically a sensing device is laid open. The sensingdevice comprises the two opposite carrier plates 3, 6 each having arespective surface 4, 7 and provided with respective coils 5, 8. In thisembodiment, a data processor 31 is functionally coupled with each of thecoils 5, 8. This functional coupling allows control of the currentthrough each of the coils, in particular control of the individualcurrent through each coil 5, 8. Furthermore, the functional couplingallows the data processor to read a current through each of the coils 5,8. The data processor 31 is coupled to the supply of electrical power30, here schematically indicated with a battery.

In FIG. 5, an assembly is shown comprising a playboard 50, variousbuilding elements 2, each separately indicated A-I, and a remote device40 comprising a display 41.

The playboard 50 has coupling parts 51 that allow coupling of buildingelements 2 to the playboard. The playboard 50 further as a surface 52and playboard sensing elements, here again coils 53, below its surface52. The playboard 50 may also comprise a power source, for instance awired connection 54 to the mains.

In the playboard 50, the playboard coils 53 are functionally alignedwith the coupling parts 51.

The playboard 50 may further comprise a data processor, not indicated.The data processor may be functionally coupled to each of the playboardcoils 53 for controlling a current through each of the playboard coils53. The data processor may also be coupled to each of the playboardcoils 53 for reading a current through each of the playboard coils 53.The different elements coils 53, data processor, and the like may beintegrated into the playboard, or may be provided as add-in elementsthat may be attached or inserted into the playboard later on.

The remote device 40 in an embodiment is a remote computer device,further comprising a wireless data transmitter. The remote device 40 canfor instance be a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop. This allows datatransmission with for instance the playboard 50 and/or at least one ofthe sensing devices 1 in one of the building elements 2, indicatedindividually A-I.

The sensing device allows different modes of dealing with statusinformation of coupling parts and/or status information on an element.

In FIG. 5, each of the building elements 2 is provided with one or moresensing devices. The sensing devices are provided in such a way thateach coupling part status of each building element 2 can be determined.Thus, in fact each construction element comprises at least one sensingdevice together holding at least the status information for eachcoupling part of the construction element.

Suppose for instance building element D which is according to FIGS. 1-3.Suppose its coupling elements can be indicated 1-4 from left to rightfor the rear row, 5-8 from left to right for the front row, 9-12 fromleft to right for the rear bottom row and 13-16 from left to right forthe rear front row. Suppose the coupling parts of the building elementsC and E can be indicated in the same way.

The data structure of the sensing device of element D may look asfollows:

Construction element ID-D 2×4

1-0

2-0

3-0

4-0

5-0

6-0

7-0

8-0

9-C-2

10-0

11-0

12-E-1

13-C-4

14-0

15-0

16-E-3

All the other building elements B-I hold similar data structures. A datastructure filled with status data of each coupling part (or, in fact,sensing element) is referred to as the status information. The statusinformation of all the building elements of the system, i.e., theircompleted data structures, can be referred to as the configuration orthe configuration information. There are various ways this configurationinformation may be provided to remote device 40. These various way mayalso be combined.

In a first embodiment, each sensing device 1 has its own wirelesstransmitter that transmits its data structure with status information tothe remote device 40. The remote device may then construct theconfiguration information from the separate sets of status informationof each sensing device 1.

In another embodiment, the sensing devices 1 of each building element 2(A-I) transmits its status information to the playboard 50. Playboard 50may combine all the status information into configuration informationand transmit the configuration information to the remote device 40.

In another embodiment, the sensing devices use one or more of theirsensing elements to transmit data to sensing devices of other buildingelement(s). The mode of transmission is, i.e., parallel or serially, isin more detail discussed above. This transmission may for instance takeplace when a higher building element is coupled to a lower buildingelement. In the example of FIG. 4, when building element D is coupled toC and E, it transmits its status information to building elements C andE. Building elements C and E transmit that status information torespectively B and F, and these transmit to A and G, and these transmitto the playboard 50. Alternatively, elements A and/or G transmit toremote device 40. Elements may comprise various aspects of routerfunctionality.

Playboard 5 may have its own, simplified data structure indicating eachof its coupling parts 51, and for each coupling part various layers andan indication of it is occupied or not. Thus, the first layer indicatedcoupling parts that are coupled or not. The second layer indicatescoupling parts of building elements 2 that are placed on the playboardthat have building elements 2 placed on top of them, and so on.

The playboard 50 and building elements 2 provide a system that cantransmit the configuration of building elements 2 to an external device40, as indicated in FIG. 5. Here, schematically it is indicated how thesystem transmits via waves 55 its configuration to a remote device 40.Remote device 40 comprises a data processor that allows processing ofthe configuration data and, if desired, to provided an indication of theconfiguration on display 41. The configuration may be displayed as itis. Alternatively, a scene may be displayed with the configurationschematically shown, or shown in a more complex manner. For instance,the actual building elements may form the construction or object of FIG.5, and on display 41 this is displayed as a corresponding bridge over ariver. In fact, a remote device 40 may generate a visual representation,for instance using holographical projection, display using for instancevirtual reality devices like the Oculus Rift.

The building elements may also be placed upon an interactive surfacelike an iPad of the like. Thus, the building elements 2 may form forinstance “apptivity” elements. For instance, a transparent layer can beprovided on top of a display like an iPad. Alternatively, the playboard50 may be partly transparent and may comprise a display.

In the embodiments explained illustrated above and illustrated in thedrawings, the carrier comprises two carrier plates 3, 6. In anotherembodiment, the carrier device may define further surfaces forming athree-dimensional shape. For instance, 6 surfaces may define a cube or ablock. Using for instance four further carrier plates similar to the topcarrier plate 3 and the bottom carrier plate 8, and provided withadditional coils. There additional carrier can be mutually two by twoaligned having their coils aligned. Thus, for instance a cube or blockwith aligned coils on each face may be provided, providingthree-dimensional proximity detection. Furthermore, data transmissionand receipt of data may be provided.

In a general sense, shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 (to be discussed below),examples are given in which the sensing device 1 uses an array of spaceddistance sensing elements 8 and 5, 60 respectively. In particular, twoseparates layers of arrays of sensing elements are provided. More thantwo layers may be provided. In an embodiment, each layer of sensingelements comprises sensing elements that are regularly spaces, providedin regular n×m row and column array. In an embodiment, the sensingelements one layer of sensing elements are aligned with the sensingelements of another layer of sensing elements. As explained above, thesensing elements can be functionally aligned, including alignment. Usingsignal processing and/or data processing, other associations of couplingparts and sensing elements may be possible that allow the sensing deviceto determine a status of each of the coupling parts of the associatedelement.

Each sensing element 60 of a sensing device 1 provides an indication ofpresence of another sensing element 60 of another, similar sensingdevice 1. The layout of these similar sensing devices 1 does not need tobe identical, as for instance indicated in FIG. 5. In FIGS. 1-4, thesensing elements 60 are coils 5, 8, that can in fact be used actively,i.e., they can generate a field of which in particular the strength andvariation in time can be set. The coils can also be used to record thepresence of another, activated, coil. Alternative sensing elements 60can also be used. Here, the sensing elements 60 also use a magneticfield. In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and with FIG. 6ashowing the sensing elements 60 in more detail, the sensing device 1comprises sensing elements 60 comprising a magnetic part 61 that isdisplaceable along a guiding part 62. The guiding parts 62 defined adisplacement track. Sensing element 60 further comprises a magneticfield sensor 63. Suitable magnetic field sensors 63 are for instance aHall sensor or a Reed sensor. The placement in the drawing isindicative. The magnetic field sensor 63 allows detection of a changingmagnetic field due to a displacement of the magnetic part 61 along theguiding part 62. When a sensing element 60 of one sensing device 1approaches a sensing element 60 an another sensing device 1, themagnetic parts 61 will at a defined distance from one another exert amagnetic force onto one another. This will cause the magnetic parts 61to displace along with respect to the guiding part 62 along at leastpart of the displacement track. The magnetic field sensors 63 willdetect a changing magnetic field due to the displacing magnetic parts61. In FIG. 6a it is visible that the guiding part 62 may comprise acoil spring holding the magnetic part 61. Other or additional parts maybe provided for guiding the magnetic part 62 back and forth in thesensing element 60. Alternatives may comprise guiding rails, guidingrods, and the like that limit the motion of the magnetic part 61 alongone line, in the drawing up and down.

It will also be clear that the above description and drawings areincluded to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not tolimit the scope of protection. Starting from this disclosure, many moreembodiments will be evident to a skilled person. These embodiments arewithin the scope of protection and the essence of this invention and areobvious combinations of prior art techniques and the disclosure of thispatent.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   -   1 sensing device    -   2 building element    -   3 (upper)carrier plate    -   4 top or upper surface    -   5 top coils    -   6 (bottom)carrier plate    -   7 lower or bottom surface    -   8 bottom coils    -   9 housing    -   10 spacers    -   20 top face of building element    -   21 bottom face of building element    -   22 first or upper coupling parts    -   23 complementary of lower coupling parts    -   30 battery    -   31 data processor    -   40 remote computer device    -   41 display    -   50 playboard    -   51 playboard coupling parts    -   52 playboard surface    -   53 playboard coils    -   54 power cord/power supply/mains    -   55 transmission of data to remote device    -   56 receiving data from element of assembly of sensing device    -   60 sensing element    -   61 magnetic part    -   62 guiding part    -   63 sensor part    -   D upper and lower coil distance    -   d1 distance top face to top coils    -   d2 distance bottom coils to bottom face

The invention claimed is:
 1. A sensing device in a construction elementfor a toy construction set, said sensing device comprising a carriercomprising a top surface provided with a series of top coils with theiraxes functionally parallel, a bottom surface with a series of bottomcoils at a distance from said top coils and with their axes functionallyaligned with said top coils, the sensing device further comprising adata processor functionally coupled with a memory for storing a statusof each of said top and bottom coils, said data processor functionallycoupled with said top and bottom coils for controlling an electricalcurrent through each of said top and bottom coils and for recordingchanges of current in each of said top and bottom coils, allowingdetection of alignment of at least one coil of another, similar sensingdevice with a coil of said sensing device, wherein said data processorcomprises a computer program which, when running on said data processor,controls a current through each of said top and bottom coils, reads acurrent through each of said top and bottom coils, and from a change ofsaid current and a level of said current calculates a status for each ofsaid top and bottom coils, and stores said status for each coil in saidmemory.
 2. The sensing device of claim 1, wherein said top surface andbottom surface are functionally parallel.
 3. The sensing device of claim1, wherein said top surface and bottom surface are functionally planar.4. The sensing device of claim 1, wherein said data processor comprisesa data transmission program for controlling a current through at leastone of said coils from providing an electromagnetic field that isrepresentative of a data stream, in particular said data transmissionprogram is provided for converting said statuses or statuses of othersensing devices into a data stream representative of said statuses. 5.The sensing device of claim 4, wherein said data transmission programsplits said data stream into a series of data stream parts and controlsa series of coils in a layer to functionally simultaneously eachtransmit at least one of said data stream parts for providing asubstantially parallel transmission of said data stream.
 6. The sensingdevice of claim 1, wherein said data processor comprises a datareceiving program for converting a current through at least one of saidcoils into a data stream, in particular a data stream representative ofsaid statuses, and for converting said data stream into said statuses.7. The sensing device of claim 6, wherein said data receiving programfunctionally simultaneously converts currents through a series of saidcoils into a series of data stream parts, and in particular convertssaid data stream parts into said statuses for providing a substantiallyparallel receiving of said statuses.
 8. The sensing device of claim 1,wherein said carrier comprises two printed circuit boards, an upperprinted circuit board providing the upper surface and a bottom printedcircuit board providing the bottom surface.
 9. The sensing device ofclaim 1, wherein when a coil is aligned with a first, similar sensingdevice and an other coil is aligned with a second, similar sensingdevice, the sensing device selectively transmits data, in particularstatus information, to the first, the second or both other, similarsensing devices.
 10. The sensing device according to claim 1, whereinsaid data processor comprises a data storage comprising a data structurecomprising a sensing device ID, information indicative of a relativecoil position of each coil of said sensing device, and per coil a dataposition information indicative of alignment with a coil of another,similar sensing device.
 11. The sensing device of claim 10, wherein insaid data structure said information indicative of alignment with a coilof another, similar sensing device comprises a sensing ID of said other,similar sensing device, and information indicative of a relative coilposition of said aligned coil of said other, similar sensing device. 12.A construction element for a toy construction set, comprising a bodypart with a top face and a bottom face seen relative to the normal usesituation of the construction element, wherein the top face comprisesfirst coupling parts, wherein the bottom face comprises complementarilycoupling parts that are configured for removably interconnecting withcorresponding first coupling parts of another construction element; anda sensing device positioned in said body part and comprising a carriercomprising a top surface directed to said top face of said body part andprovided with a series of top coils functionally aligned with at least anumber of said first coupling parts and a bottom surface directedtowards said bottom face of said body part and provided with a series ofbottom coils functionally aligned with said top coils, the sensingdevice further comprising a data processor, functionally coupled withsaid top and bottom coils for recording changes of current in each ofsaid coils, allowing detection of presence of another constructionelement coupled to one or more of the number of first coupling parts,and detecting which of the number of first coupling parts are coupled.13. The construction element according to claim 12, wherein said bottomcoils are functionally aligned with at least a number of saidcomplementary coupling parts, allowing detection of presence of anotherconstruction element coupled to one or more of said number ofcomplementary coupling parts, and detecting which of the number ofcomplementary coupling parts are coupled.
 14. The construction elementaccording to claim 13, wherein said data processor is functionallycoupled with said top and bottom coils for controlling anelectromagnetic field from each of said top and bottom coils.
 15. Theconstruction element according to claim 12, wherein said series of topand bottom coils are separated from one another at a distance that islarger than a distance of the top coils from the top face and largerthan a distance of the bottom coils from the bottom face, in particulara distance that is larger than the sum of a distance of the top coilsfrom the top face plus a distance of the bottom coils from the bottomface.
 16. The construction element according to claim 12, wherein saiddata processor comprises a data structure comprising a constructionelement ID, and per functionally aligned first and complementarycoupling part further construction element ID's of coupled constructionelements.
 17. The construction element according to claim 12, whereinsaid sensing device further comprises a data transmitter.
 18. Theconstruction element according to claim 17, wherein said datatransmitter is adapted for routing or passing on data, in particular toanother construction element.
 19. The construction element according toclaim 17, wherein said data transmitter uses at least one of said coilsfor wireless data transmission, in particular to another constructionelement.
 20. The construction element according to claim 12, whereinsaid sensing device further comprises a power storage for electricalpower.
 21. The construction element according to claim 12, wherein saiddata processor is provided with software which, when running on saiddata processor, derives a status of a coupling part from a current orchange of current in a coil.
 22. The construction element according toclaim 12, wherein said sensing device comprises multiple carriers, eachcarrier providing faces that are orthogonal with respect to faces of theother carriers.
 23. The construction element according to claim 12,wherein said body part is block-shaped providing three sets of oppositetop and bottom faces, and said sensing device providing three carriersproviding three sets of opposing faces, each face functionally parallelto body part faces and each face comprising coils, each coilfunctionally aligned with one selected from a first coupling part and acomplementary coupling part.
 24. A system comprising a series ofconstruction elements according to claim 12 and a computer systemcomprising a display device, a data processor and a data receiver,wherein said data processor is provided with software which, whenrunning on said data processor, allows receiving of data from at leastone of said construction elements, and provides a representation on saiddisplay device indicating a number of construction elements in theircoupled state, in particular providing a representation on said displaydevice during construction using said construction elements.
 25. Thesystem of claim 24, wherein said separate computer device provides userfeedback in relation to at least one selected from a construction ofsaid construction elements, and during a construction using saidconstruction elements.
 26. A system comprising a series of constructionelements according to claim 24 and a playfield having a top surfacecomprising a series of first coupling parts and a series of coilsfunctionally aligned with said series of first coupling parts.